Our Mission
Meet our industry's unique talent needs
We were founded in 2005 as a charitable organization whose mission is to provide industry-specific solutions to attract, develop and retain talent.
Core Strategies
At the heart of what we do and what we aspire to achieve
- The best and the brightest see us as the “industry of choice,” a great place for a fulfilling career
- Best practices for the “people side” of our businesses are commonplace
- Our businesses grow because we attract and employ the finest talent
- We are able to face future challenges with confidence because we have the right people solving the toughest problems
- Businesses of all sizes, and in all places, prosper generation after generation
Meet The Team
Our passion and expertise are moving us forward
Our Board of Directors plays a critical role in developing our strategic plan and ensuring that we are able to meet the ambitious goals we set for ourselves.
Meet Them
Our Fundraising Committee is vital in our efforts to raise charitable dollars that fund innovative and exciting talent solutions now and into the future.
Meet Them
Advisory Groups and Task Forces
Our advisory groups and task forces provide critical oversight and share best practices for our leadership development programs and fundraising events.
Meet Them
Serving as mentors to university students at industry events, our Career Pathways participants benefit from their experiences and your passion for the industry.
Meet Them
Our History
Explore our history of success
Over the past 10 years, we have evolved to a continuum of support for talent across the entire supply chain for companies of all sizes. View our timeline to explore our key milestones from our first program to the present day.
| October 2004 |
Pack Family Career Pathways program debuts at PMA's Fresh Summit |
| November 2005 |
PMA Board approved creation of the PMA Education Foundation to address the talent issues of the industry |
| December 2005 |
PMA Education Foundation incorporated in the state of Delaware PMA pledges $500,000 to launch the PMA Education Foundation |
| June 2006 |
Officially recognized as a charitable organization by the IRS securing tax exempt 501(c)3 status |
| July 2006 |
Career Pathways program initiated at PMA's Foodservice Conference |
| October 2006 |
Inaugural PMA Education Foundation Board of Directors takes office |
| January 2008 |
Launch of the Capital Campaign: Our Industry ... Our people Campaign PMA Education Foundation becomes PMA Foundation for Industry Talent |
| July 2008 |
Career Pathways program expands to Fresh Produce & Floral Council |
| January 2009 |
Leadership Symposium becomes PMA Foundation for Industry Talent program |
| April 2009 |
Career Pathways program expands to New England Produce Council (NEPC) |
| December 2009 | First Young Professionals reception held at PMA's Fresh Summit |
| June 2011 | Inaugural Emerging Leaders Program held in conjunction with the Thunderbird School of Global Management |
| December 2011 |
Presented first Young Professionals Webinar |
| September 2012 |
Career Pathways program launches with Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) |
| March 2013 | The First Joe Stubbs Scholarship is awarded to a young professional to attend PMA's Foodservice Conference |
| April 2013 |
Inaugural Women's Fresh Perspectives Conference held in conjunction with Simmons School of Management Career Pathways program Launches new program with Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) |
| December 2013 |
Inaugural High Performance Management Conference |
| May 2015 |
Career Pathways program launches new program with PMA Tech Knowledge |
| February 2016 |
PMA Foundation for Industry Talent launches new name: Center for Growing Talent and begins its 10 Year Anniversary Celebration |
| September 2017 | Inaugural Executive Leadership Exchange |
| November 2017 | Inaugural Immersion Academy |